Scope for .243 - advise needed

V|PeR · Post by **V|PeR** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 3:06 pm

OK guys I thought I had a scope choice sorted for the Tikka .243 I an looking at getting but after reading every thread possible on scopes I think I have become more confused so seeking some input.

The rifle will be used 60% for spotlighting duties out to reasonable range and 40% for longer range varmint destruction in early morning/late afternoon.

Have narrowed it down to 4 choices (it was 3 when i started writing this) that are within my allowance from the wife

Bushnell Elite 3200 5-15x50 Multi-X

PROS
50mm objective size would be better for spotlighting
power would be suitable for what I am using it for.

CONS
Dont know if warranty is as good as Vortex or Clearidge

Clearidge Ultra XP 4.5-14x40, Duplex or Mil Dot

PROS
good light transmission (per specs)
power range is good
lifetime transferable warranty

CONS
objective size smaller than bushnell

Vortex Diamondback 3.5-10x50 Dead Hold BDC

PROS
warranty
purchase locally within budget
good objective size

CONS
power range not as good as others

Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40 Dead Hold BDC

PROS
warranty and local purchase
good power range

CONS
objective size

sorry for the long post but hopefully someone can help me decide

tikkat3 · Post by **tikkat3** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 3:45 pm

I have fitted the Bushnell you mentioned to my Tikka T3 .243 and have had no problems with it and the optics are crystal clear.

I would not hesitate buying another bushnell.

Cheers,

TikkaT3

HiWall · Post by **HiWall** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 4:45 pm

I would go the 4-12x40 Vortex myself. Don't need (or want) much more than about x8 for spotlighting, the 40mm objective means the scope can be mounted much lower which is better for quick shots. Personally, I would much prefer a scope without an adjustable objective for hunting, and especially spotlighting.

Dr G · Post by **Dr G** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 5:51 pm

mate i have a bushbell 3200 and a vortex viper. they are in different classes in terms of the optics quality. Go the vortex. If I could spend my money again I would have two vipers rather than one of each.

Rinso · Post by **Rinso** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 6:01 pm

I agree with HiWall the 4-12 is a better choice with a 243 for the use you describe. The 40mm objective does not give much away to the 50mm and a lower mounting is far better for general use.

If you cant see it in the spotlight at 8x or in daylight at 12x then you should not be taking the shot.

Another bonus with the Voretx is that if you call Antony and tell him you are an AusVarmit member he will usually give you a better deal.

cheers
Rinso

V|PeR · Post by **V|PeR** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 6:37 pm

cheers for the input guys

is the Vortex Diamondback still a good scope as my budget cant stretch to the viper unfortunetly

Rinso · Post by **Rinso** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 7:22 pm

Will do all you could ask of it mate.

cheers
Rinso

crowbuster · Post by **crowbuster** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 7:29 pm

I've got a Loopy VX1 4 -12 x 40 on my Tikka 595 in .243 cal, and find it to be a good optical range for the calibre. I reckon they (Leupold) still offer pretty good value as a scope too.

CB

V|PeR · Post by **V|PeR** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 5:22 pm

well at this stage i think i have decided on the Vortex Viper in 4-12*40 as it seems like a good scope for a very good price and if anything does go wrong they have the lifetime warranty.

Rinso · Post by **Rinso** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 7:03 pm

Very good choice .. now just ring Antony and your set.

cheers
Rinso

trevort · Post by **trevort** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 9:14 pm

I had that exact same bushnell on a tikka 243. Its an excellent scope but very big, it overbalanced the rifle IMHO.

bimbo · Post by **bimbo** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 10:15 pm

just to throw another scope into the mix. I have a sightron SII 4-16x42 on my .223 and it is a great scope for the money. well priced and seems to get pretty favourable reviews.

Jethro · Post by **Jethro** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 8:50 pm

Yep have to agree with trev. I also have a bushnell 3200 5-15x50 fitted to my rem VLS the scope suits the gun though as they are both phisically big. If you are looking at a walkaround hunting rifle try not to get anything longer than around 13.5inches in a scope whilst objective diameter should be kept to 44mm or less. If you are considering buying through The OpticZone have a look at the Nikon Buckmaster or Monarch Range. I had a look through a couple of these at the hunting Expo on the weekend and the optical clarity and eye relief were as good if not better than the leupold VX11 range IMHO. Price through the Australian agents was horrendous though.

Check out The Optic Zone.

Jethro again

GIJ · Post by **GIJ** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 9:23 pm

I might be a bit late but I've got an Optic Zone leupy 4-12x40 on my tikka lite 243. Just right I'd say, good for spotlighting and long shots in the field and not to big and bulky.

But leupold and their distributer can shove it up their arse, go the Vortex.

paz · Post by **paz** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 9:34 pm

I have a bushnell 4200 on my 25-06 that i purchased just before the rifle, will buy another in a heart beat, though am going to have another look at the Vortex at penrith this weekend if i can get someone to talk to me about em there.

Paz

AusVarmint

Scope for .243 - advise needed

Scope for .243 - advise needed